The Associated Press

A wealth of experience, complemented by the energy and enthusiasm of youth, was the blend U.S. coach April Heinrichs sought in selecting her Women's World Cup squad.

What she got, Heinrichs believes, is just perfect for defending the title.

"This is the best roster a U.S. women's national team has ever fielded in a world event," Heinrichs said Tuesday. "We have experience, composure, athleticism, versatility and depth in every position."

In Brandi Chastain, Briana Scurry and Mia Hamm, Heinrichs chose three of the biggest stars of the 1999 championship team. In veterans Kristine Lilly, Julie Foudy and Joy Fawcett, she has the kind of leadership American teams have featured in each of the three previous world championships - two of them won by the United States.

In all, Heinrichs picked 12 players from the '99 squad that beat China in a penalty kick shootout to win the championship before a sold-out Rose Bowl. Chastain put home the winning kick after Scurry made a critical save in the shootout.

Hamm is the leading career scorer in international soccer with 140 goals, while Lilly has the most international appearances (253). Hamm, Lilly, plus team captains Foudy and Fawcett will be appearing in their fourth World Cup.

Playing in their third World Cup will be Chastain, whose shirt-removal celebration of her winning goal four years ago ranks among the most memorable in sports; sharpshooter Tiffeny Milbrett; and Tiffany Roberts. Other members of the 1999 squad chosen by Heinrichs were Shannon MacMillan, Cindy Parlow, Christie Pearce and Kate Sobrero.

Eight players will make their debuts in a World Cup: Shannon Boxx, Kylie Bivens, Angela Hucles, Siri Mullinix, Cat Reddick, Danielle Slaton, Aly Wagner and Abby Wambach.

"I would say this is a perfect blend of wisdom and composure, energy and enthusiasm, young professionals and some great stories within this roster," Heinrichs said. "People ask me who can step up? Anyone can move up to be a heroine."

Even a newcomer such as Wambach, who scored both goals in the Washington Freedoms' 2-1 overtime victory against Atlanta on Sunday for the WUSA's Founders Cup. Wambach seemed on the verge of not being considered for the national team in the spring. Now, she could become a mainstay after three months of spectacular play.

"In terms of how successful this week has been for me, I couldn't have written it better or wished for anything better to happen," the 23-year-old striker said. "I feel lucky and privileged to be on the World Cup team. It's been like a fairy tale.

"April left me off the roster against Canada in April, and she told me if I wanted to make the World Cup team, to get it all in order and prepare better and be more focused and competitive," Wambach added. "I think I did a real good job of doing all those things she asked. She has seen that, and to be coachable in April's eyes I think is very important."

The team Heinrichs brings into the tournament, which begins Sept. 20 in Philadelphia - the Americans open against Sweden the next day in Washington - will be favored to win a third World Cup. Heinrichs promises the Americans will deliver a style that fans have come to expect.

"We have a competitiveness and the American spirit," said Heinrichs, who will coach in the World Cup for the first time. "Since the mid-'80s this team has been all about America and the American spirit and playing with guts and pride and playing to win. We will play to win, play to make all the Americans proud of their team."